Memory and how it fails... The Silvalab is studying learning, memory and its disorders, including cognitive deficits associated with aging, learning disabilities and schizophrenia.   Our field of study is Molecular and Cellular Cognition. The goal of this field is to derive explanations of cognitive processes that integrate molecular, cellular, and behavioral mechanisms and to find treatments for cognitive disorders.
Highlights We are searching for molecular, cellular and circuit processes that underlie the encoding, allocation, storage and recall of information in the brain. Additionally, we hope our studies of the mechanisms underlying extraordinary cognitive function may lead to general treatments for cognitive disorders. We are using insights into mechanisms of memory to unravel the causes and develop treatments for cognitive deficits associated with aging, learning disabilities and schizophrenia.   Key components of our work on remote memory are carried out within a collaborative network, the NIMH Silvio O. Conte Center for Plasticity and Memory (CPM). Together with the labs of Michael Stryker, Kevin Fox and Joshua Trachtenberg, we are unraveling the molecular basis of cortical plasticity			Treating Learning Disabilities! Our lab just developed treatments in mice  for NF1 and Tuberous Sclerosis. see more>> Extraordinary cognition. Understanding extraordinary brains may allow us to develop cognitive treatments. See more >>   Memory genes. see more>>
New papers and more: 1- New Nature Medicine paper on the mechanism and treatment for cognitive deficits in TSC (Click Here) 2- New JAMA paper with a promising treatment for NF1  (PDF) 3- New Plos paper on novel approach to screen for remote memory mutants (PDF) 4- New JP paper on the science of research (PDF) 5- New JN paper on the role NMDAR/CaMKII interactions. (PDF) 6- New PNAS paper on an animal model of Schizophrenia (PDF)			Watching neurons... Our laboratory is using state-of-the art imaging techniques to study neurons in living mice! see more>> What determines where memories are stored? When a network is engaged in memory storage, only some neurons become committed. Recently, we discovered the first molecular  mechanism that determines whether a neuron engages in a given memory. see more>>
Alcino J. Silva is a  professor in the Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Psychology. We are also affiliated with the Brain Research Institute.	Our group...     ...and some of our youngest post-docs...		Our laboratory is located in the Gonda Neuroscience and Genetics Center and our behavioral facilities are housed in Department of Psychology's Franz Hall.
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